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Apple patent application covers case with windscreen for Apple iPhone microphone

Apple patent application covers case with windscreen for Apple iPhone microphone

Posted: 12 Jul 2012, 08:44, by Alan F.

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Tags : AT&T -AT&T + Verizon -Verizon + Sprint -Sprint + Apple -Apple + Patents -Patents +

Apple patent application covers case with windscreen for Apple iPhone microphone

Apple's patent application covers a case with a microphone windscreen

A patent application filed by Apple was unearthed on Thursday, revealing a removable case for the Apple iPhone that would include a windscreen covering for the microphone on the handset. The case itself would be made from plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate, silicon or rubber while the windscreen would be comprised of mesh, foam or a feather-type of material. The windscreen, which would be sealed into place over an opening in the case, would line up with the microphone on the iconic smartphone and would be "designed to reduce wind noise, air blasts, vocal plosives, and other noise." Additionally, the windscreen could also keep dirt, dust and moisture away from the microphone. The application noted that the case could be called a bumper, skin or cover.

Adding a windscreen to a case is a big deal for Apple whose own cases for its smartphone have traditionally been simple, rubber bumpers. When the Antennagate left-handed death grip situation started taking on a life of its own following the launch of the Apple iPhone 4, the Cupertino based tech giant sent out simple, free rubber bumpers to Apple iPhone 4 buyers. Those who want more serious protection for their Apple iPhone need to look at third party manufacturers whose cases offer everything from water and dust resistant protection, to a built in QWERTY keyboard or extra battery life.

Apple has been awarded a design patent for its Smart Cover and Smart Case that protects the front, and front and back of the Apple iPad respectively. Opening the case awakens your tablet while closing it puts the Apple iPad to sleep.

source: AppleInsider

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20 Comments

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posted on 12 Jul 2012, 08:52 15

1. Slammer (Posts: 1515; Member since: 03 Jun 2010)

Ok, this is just totally ludicrous. The USPTO should not approve this. While putting windscreens on a phone case is nice addition, windscreens for microphones have been around for years. When will all this end?

John B.

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 12:04 1

14. sprockkets (Posts: 1611; Member since: 16 Jan 2012)

But, but, it's on a phone! New and non-obvious!

And btw apple was not the first with smart covers but grant them the patent anyhow!

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 08:56 10

2. blade (Posts: 32; Member since: 28 May 2012)

as usual ridiculous now they will target and sue case makers
i thiught patents are granted when some new thing is invented
broken patent system and craaple taking the advantage

eagerly waiting when google gets patent on notification system
haha and the copied notification centre on iphone gets removed

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 09:03 5

3. fervid (Posts: 183; Member since: 22 Nov 2011)

Wow, a microphone screen! I've never seen a microphone having one of those!

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 09:11 7

4. Slammer (Posts: 1515; Member since: 03 Jun 2010)

Now, if I were the underwriters for this filing, I would say to Apple:

"If you want to put a windscreen on your case like other companies have put on their vocal mikes, go right ahead. But we are not going to grant this patent because this has obviously been an ongoing practice since radio."

John B.

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 09:48 5

5. superguy (Posts: 309; Member since: 15 Jul 2011)

They're you go making sense. Which is why the government won't adopt this, Apple will get the patent, and start another round of patent trolling.

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 10:10

6. xtian1103 (Posts: 363; Member since: 11 Feb 2012)

it's not everyday we are gonna answer a phonecall against strong winds and certain kinds of noise but when we do, this enters the usefullness of this patent.

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 10:37 3

7. tedkord (Posts: 14123; Member since: 17 Jun 2009)

No one is saying a windscreen wouldn't be useful in some situations. But this fails the patent test for new, innovative and non-obvious. It should not be granted.

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 10:40 4

8. ivanko34 (Posts: 617; Member since: 04 Sep 2011)

Apple is really taking patent officers for idiots

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 11:06 2

11. ph00ny (Posts: 1509; Member since: 26 May 2011)

Can you blame them? USPTO really needs a wake up call

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 10:47 1

9. andro. (Posts: 1999; Member since: 16 Sep 2011)

Case manufacturers the world over are soon going to need to hire an array of legal representatives as apple patent sueing is inevitable. From now on case manufacturers must make cases which intentionally must leave the microphone massively exposed!!!

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 11:04

10. tedkord (Posts: 14123; Member since: 17 Jun 2009)

They will have to build in a scoop that funnels all wind to the microphone.

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 11:25 2

12. jaytai0106 (Posts: 1888; Member since: 30 Mar 2011)

They really are giving out patents for "anything"... I'm going to file patents for random stuff related to smartphones...

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 11:31 2

13. Fallout09 (Posts: 421; Member since: 17 Oct 2011)

I think this is a knee jerk reaction to the noise cancelation tech theft that Apple is being accused off. A sort of "backup plan" for them if they are forced to remove the stolen tech from their phones. It is just like their solution to the antenna problem... There is nothing wrong with your phone.....But, Free Bumpers for Everyone! I think they will be approved for the patent because the original inventor of the microphone wind sheild died of old age in the 1940s and can not dispute the first to market claim. Way to go Apple with great innovation! (insert sarcasm)

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 14:25 2

15. paulislegend (Posts: 42; Member since: 15 Mar 2012)

The patent office needs a douche!

posted on 13 Jul 2012, 08:46

19. roscuthiii (Posts: 2241; Member since: 18 Jul 2010)

That they do, it seems they already have an abundance of douche bags on hand.

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 15:01

16. SlimSoulja86 (Posts: 660; Member since: 03 Nov 2011)

I just need one, idea, and patent it, and hope apple uses it, and bang! I will be rich! Who needs to go to work or school. Just patent useless thing and hope Apple uses it and demand the mola baybie!

posted on 13 Jul 2012, 08:47

20. roscuthiii (Posts: 2241; Member since: 18 Jul 2010)

Nah, they'd drag it out in the court room and let the legal fees bleed you dry. It's a sad world.

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 19:06 2

17. InspectorGadget80 (unregistered)

ARE YOU SERIOUS APPLE?? Just f**king patent everything you own jeezes

posted on 12 Jul 2012, 20:22 2

18. azafirster (Posts: 44; Member since: 01 May 2012)

Now this is just plain silly, giving patents to an idea that has been around for so long. Now I know this will tick to case makers off.